Sunday, May 18, 2025

Inspirations From Benson Boone and Teddy Swims

Before Benson Boone and Teddy Swims became famous, they were hard at work doing their singing and uploading contents of their works on social media as artists who are self-discipline and dedicated to their passion and craft. They sing because they love it enough to love doing it.

May you be inspired by them to pursue your craft or hustle, keep improving, articulate and communicate your message to the world through your thing, gain more mastery and extend your influence to impact others meaningfully, even if recognition has not shown up yet.

With the help of ChatGPT, the following articles on Benson and Teddy, with YouTube clips added, are for your refreshing.

Benson Boone: From Accidental Singer to Rising Star

Image credit: Benson Boone
Not every star is born in a recording studio or from a family of musicians. Some simply stumble upon their gifts — and that’s exactly what happened with Benson Boone, the American singer-songwriter who went from a small-town teenager to a global music sensation almost overnight. His rise wasn’t planned, but once he found his voice, there was no stopping him.

🎤 A Surprise Discovery

Born in Monroe, Washington in 2002, Benson Boone didn’t grow up dreaming of being a pop star. In fact, his early passions were centered around art, sports, and spending time outdoors. It wasn’t until his junior year of high school that music unexpectedly entered the picture.

The moment of discovery was almost cinematic: during a high school talent show, Boone volunteered to play the piano for a friend’s performance. When the friend couldn't make it, someone suggested that Boone sing instead. Somewhat reluctantly, he agreed. That spontaneous performance would change the course of his life.

To everyone’s amazement — including his own — Boone had an exceptional voice. The raw emotion and power in his tone captivated his classmates and teachers. It was then that he realized he had a hidden talent that was worth exploring.

Click here for The start of it all ‪@BensonBoone‬ #fypシ゚viral #upcomingmusician #bensonboone #music #benny.

🚀 From TikTok to the World

After that breakthrough moment, Boone began to take music more seriously. He taught himself to sing and play instruments by ear, often using YouTube tutorials. Eventually, he turned to TikTok, posting short clips of his singing. His vulnerability and unfiltered voice struck a chord with millions.

His follower count skyrocketed as he shared original songs and covers. His clean, emotional vocal style, paired with boy-next-door charisma, earned him comparisons to artists like Lewis Capaldi and Shawn Mendes. As his videos went viral, the music industry took notice.

🌟 American Idol – A Launchpad and a Turning Point

In 2021, Boone auditioned for American Idol, impressing the judges with his performance and securing a golden ticket to Hollywood. However, in a bold and mature decision, Boone withdrew from the competition to pursue a different path. He felt he wasn’t ready for the pressure of instant fame and wanted to grow organically.

This turned out to be a smart move. Around this time, Dan Reynolds (lead singer of Imagine Dragons) discovered Boone and signed him to his label, Night Street Records, under Warner Records. Click here for Benson Boone: Katy Perry Predicts This Viral TikTok Guy Can WIN American Idol IF...

🎶 Breakout Hits and Musical Evolution

Benson Boone’s debut single, “Ghost Town”, released in October 2021, was a massive hit. The heartfelt ballad showcased his emotional depth and storytelling ability, climbing charts in multiple countries and earning millions of streams on Spotify and YouTube.

Following up on that success, Boone released tracks like “In the Stars,” “Before You”, and “Beautiful Things,” each one displaying growth in both his vocal ability and lyrical maturity. His music often explores themes of love, loss, and identity — topics that resonate with listeners of all ages.

💪 Dedication to Growth

Despite his quick rise, Boone remains grounded. He’s known for being hands-on with his music, from songwriting and production to artwork. He often shares the ups and downs of his journey on social media, staying authentic with his fans.

He also works hard on refining his voice, learning from vocal coaches, and experimenting with different musical styles. What sets him apart is not just talent, but his work ethic and willingness to evolve.

🌍 Global Recognition and the Road Ahead

With international tours, chart-topping singles, and millions of devoted fans, Benson Boone’s rise shows no signs of slowing down. He's become a voice for a generation, not just because of his talent, but because of his humility, relatability, and honesty.

From an accidental performance at a school talent show to singing on global stages, Boone’s story proves that sometimes, the greatest talents reveal themselves when you least expect them — and when you follow that spark with passion and purpose, anything is possible.

Click here for What Really Happened to Benson Boone From American Idol.

🎤 From Interviews & Social Media

1. "I want my music to feel real—to connect with people the way music connected with me when I needed it most."

This quote reflects Benson Boone's aspiration for authenticity in his music. While a direct source for this exact phrasing isn't available, it aligns with his sentiments expressed in interviews, such as his conversation with Notion magazine, where he discussed his drive to inspire authenticity in his work. Notion

2. "Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is just be honest, even when it hurts."

This quote captures the essence of vulnerability in Boone's songwriting. In an interview with Access Hollywood, he emphasized the strength found in vulnerability, especially in relationships, stating, "I think vulnerability is a strength. Especially in a relationship with someone that you love or like or want to love, you've got to be vulnerable." Access

3. "I didn’t plan to be a singer. Music kind of found me when I wasn’t looking."

This quote reflects Boone's unexpected journey into music. According to a Reddit post by a user claiming to be his aunt, Boone was initially into sports and didn't sing growing up. His musical talent emerged spontaneously during a family gathering, leading him to pursue a career in music. Reddit

4. "If my song helps one person feel less alone, then that’s everything."

This quote underscores Boone's desire for his music to provide comfort to listeners. While a direct source for this exact wording isn't available, it aligns with his expressed intent to connect with audiences on a personal level, as discussed in various interviews.

5. "Vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s bravery with a melody."

This quote poetically encapsulates Boone's view on the emotional honesty in his music. In his interview with Access Hollywood, he conveyed a similar sentiment by stating, "I think vulnerability is a strength," highlighting the importance of being open in his songwriting. Access+1Instagram+1


Teddy Swims: The Soulful Journey from Georgia to Global Acclaim
Image credit: Teddy Swims

In a music industry often focused on polished images and radio-ready personas, Teddy Swims stands out—not just for his appearance, but for the sheer emotional depth and raw power of his voice. Blending soul, R&B, country, and rock into a sound that defies easy categorization, Teddy Swims (born Jaten Dimsdale) has become a modern-day vocal powerhouse. But behind his rise is a story of self-discovery, resilience, and relentless pursuit of authenticity.

🎶 A Voice Discovered Through Transformation

Growing up in Conyers, Georgia, Jaten Dimsdale wasn’t always known for his singing. In fact, as a kid, he was more into football, musical theatre, and rap. He initially explored his musicality by rapping and performing in metal and rock bands, experimenting with various genres that shaped his wide-ranging sound today.

It wasn’t until his early 20s that he realized the full potential of his singing voice. Encouraged by friends and bandmates, Jaten began singing more during rehearsals and live sets. What started as casual experimentation quickly revealed a remarkable gift: his voice had grit, soul, and vulnerability that few could match.

📺 YouTube and the Birth of "Teddy Swims"

In 2019, he adopted the stage name “Teddy Swims”—a combination of a childhood nickname (“Teddy”) and an acronym he created: SWIMS = Someone Who Isn’t Me Sometimes, referencing his struggle to balance different versions of himself across life, music, and expectations.

That same year, he began posting cover songs on YouTube. His breakout moment came with a soul-stirring rendition of “Tennessee Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton. The video went viral, drawing millions of views and turning Teddy into an overnight internet sensation.

What captured people wasn’t just the voice—it was the contrast. Here was a heavily tattooed, bearded man with the voice of an old-school soul singer, delivering emotionally charged performances that left listeners speechless.

💪 Hard Work Behind the Scenes

Teddy’s rise wasn’t just luck. Behind the viral videos was a deep dedication to craft. He practiced constantly, recorded dozens of covers, and refined his vocal technique. His musical roots in diverse genres—from gospel and metal to soul and hip-hop—gave his singing a rich, textured quality.

He built a loyal fan base through consistent YouTube content, staying engaged with viewers and always showing up as his authentic self. His covers spanned artists from Marvin Gaye to Shania Twain, proving his vocal range and genre flexibility.

As his popularity grew, industry professionals took notice.

🌟 Major Label Signing and Original Music

In 2020, Teddy Swims signed with Warner Records, a turning point that allowed him to release original music on a global scale. His debut EP, “Unlearning” (2021), introduced fans to his songwriting ability, blending soul, pop, and heartfelt lyrics.

Tracks like “Bed on Fire”, “Simple Things”, and “911” showed that Teddy was more than a viral cover artist—he was a true artist with a unique voice, both literally and metaphorically.

🌍 Touring, Television, and Worldwide Love

As live performances returned post-pandemic, Teddy hit the road for sold-out shows across the U.S. and abroad. Audiences were captivated not only by his vocals, but by his stage presence and emotional openness.

He’s also made appearances on major shows like Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and more—proving his crossover appeal and cementing his place as a soulful mainstay in modern pop.

💖 Authenticity as a Superpower

What sets Teddy Swims apart is his authenticity. He often speaks about mental health, self-worth, and the importance of embracing every part of oneself. His music resonates because it's real—no gimmicks, no filters, just soul.

He’s often described as a “genreless artist”—but perhaps more accurately, he’s an artist who transcends genre through emotion.

🚀 Looking Ahead

As Teddy Swims continues to grow artistically and gain international recognition, his journey serves as a powerful reminder: sometimes your greatest gifts emerge when you let go of expectations and embrace who you truly are.

From small-town Georgia to stages around the world, Teddy Swims found his voice not by fitting in—but by standing out. And in doing so, he’s become one of the most compelling voices of a generation.

Click here for From Unknown to Viral Superstar: The Teddy Swims Story.

Click here Teddy Swims - Lose Control (The Village Sessions).

Click here for Teddy Swims - Hammer to the Heart (Live).

🎤 From Interviews & Social Media

1. “Being vulnerable is the strongest thing you can be! Honesty is the only thing that matters!”

— Teddy Swims in an interview with Happy Mag Happy Mag

2. “I’m finally learning to trust my gut, stop trying to compare myself to people, and to just let me be authentic to the only me in the world.”

— Teddy Swims in an interview with MYP Magazine MYP Magazine

3. I believe that there is a certain set of words said in a certain way at a certain time that can fix any problem on the planet.

— Teddy Swims in an interview with MYP Magazine MYP Magazine+1FoodSided+1

4. “Just being vulnerable and honest about your feelings — we should not be running away from the vulnerability. It's the biggest strength. It's not a weakness at all to me.”

— Teddy Swims in an interview with Audacy Audacy

5.  “The older I get, the further I move from who I thought I was.”

— Teddy Swims in an interview with MYP Magazine MYP Magazine


Thank you for reading
Daily Refreshing.


Saturday, May 17, 2025

Squat Is The King Of Exercises

 

Hands down, the above notice is the best that I have seen to thwart people from squatting on toilet bowls. Leaving nothing to the imagination, it is still not an infrequent occurrence as evident from shoe markings on toilet seats.

My speculation is that squatters do so for the following plausible reasons:

a) Mysophobia - fear of germs with excessive concern for cleanliness;

b) Contrarian - deliberately goes against the norm or common choices; and

c) Nonconformist – resist conventional choices, even if they are easier.

With this signage, it might just attract another group of squatter called the Defiant -  deliberately disobedient or resistant to authority or rules.

That said, I would like to put a positive spin on this by diverting your attention to the benefits of squats as part of your fitness workouts with the help of ChatGPT.

"The phrase “Squat is King” is a popular saying in the fitness and health world, and it reflects how powerful, versatile, and beneficial the squat is as an exercise. It earns this title because it activates multiple large muscle groups, supports functional strength, and offers a broad range of health benefits.

Here’s an explanation and breakdown of why squats are considered the "king" of exercises, along with their health benefits:


🔶 Why Squats Are Called the King

  1. Compound Movement:

    Squats are a compound exercise, meaning they work multiple joints and muscle groups simultaneously (hips, knees, ankles), making them extremely efficient.

  2. Full-Body Activation:

    While squats primarily target the lower body (quads, glutes, hamstrings, calves), they also engage the core, lower back, and even the upper body for stabilization, especially during weighted squats.

  3. Functional Strength:
    Squatting mimics natural movement patterns like sitting and standing, making it highly functional. It improves your ability to move in daily life, especially as you age.

  4. Progressive and Scalable:

    Squats can be done with bodyweight, dumbbells, barbells, or resistance bands, and they can be modified for any fitness level.


Health Benefits of Squats

  1. Builds Muscle and Strength

    • Targets glutes, quads, hamstrings, and calves.

    • Builds lower-body strength which supports overall body performance and athleticism.

  2. Boosts Metabolism and Fat Burning

    • Engaging large muscle groups increases caloric burn.

    • Can elevate metabolism post-exercise due to the intensity of muscle recruitment.

  3. Improves Mobility and Flexibility

    • Deep squats help maintain or improve joint flexibility in hips, knees, and ankles.

    • Enhances range of motion and coordination.

  4. Strengthens Core and Stability

    • Helps stabilize the spine by engaging abdominal and lower back muscles.

    • Reduces risk of lower back injuries.

  5. Enhances Bone Density

    • The load-bearing nature of squats (especially weighted squats) stimulates bone growth and strengthens skeletal tissue, reducing osteoporosis risk.

  6. Improves Posture and Balance

    • Promotes better posture through spinal alignment and core engagement.

    • Builds neuromuscular control, helping with balance and coordination.

  7. Supports Heart and Circulatory Health

    • When performed in higher-rep sets, squats can provide cardiovascular benefits by increasing heart rate and improving circulation.

  8. Injury Prevention

    • Strengthens muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support major joints.

    • Reduces risk of falls and joint injuries, especially in aging populations.


🧠 Psychological & Lifestyle Benefits

  • Boosts Confidence (from improved strength and posture)

  • Encourages Discipline (often used as a benchmark for fitness progress)

  • Can Be Done Anywhere, making it easy to integrate into any routine


🏋️‍♂️ Pro Tip:

Proper form is essential. Poor squat technique can lead to knee, hip, or back strain. Start with bodyweight squats and progress gradually to ensure safe and effective results."

Oops, I think we might have opened up another plausible reason for squatting on toilet bowls - squats can be done anywhere!

Also, don't be surprised if your regular gym starts to proffer Extreme Squat session where exercise buffs will be doing their moves on an elevated frame which requires them to maintain their balance why doing their squats. 

So the next time you see the anti-squat signage, keep in mind that squats are good for you, but not on the toilet bowl, please.

Click here for Why You Should Squat.

Click here for I Couldn’t SQUAT For Years...Until I Did This.


Thank you for reading
Daily Refreshing

Sunday, May 11, 2025

Snippets of Singapore (12 May 2025)

If you are adventurous enough palate-wise, then you would find that Singapore is a Foodie's Paradise. And, one way to know what is good to eat is to lookout for a queue of people exercising self-control while waiting to fuel their hunger.

Cautionary note: Don't even think of jumping the queue. The vigilante around you will call you out and not let you get away with it. As competition is already fierce between rival stalls hawking similar items, diners could do their part by not starting a fight over food of their own. Please wait patiently for your turn; good things come to those who wait.

Here are just two local delicacies to whet your appetite:

Hiong Kee Dumplings (Hokkien Street)

Pork/Chicken/Nonya rice dumplings


Click here for SINGAPORE HAWKER FOOD | Hiong Kee Dumplings (香記肉粽) | Hong Lim Food Centre.

Tanglin Crispy Curry Puff


Click here for Deep-fried war: 2 brothers run rival Tanglin Crispy Curry Puff stalls metres apart.

Click here for SINGAPORE HAWKER FOOD | Tanglin Crispy Curry Puff (东陵酥皮咖喱角) | Hong Lim Food Centre.


For your further refreshing, here are some more clips on life in Singapore (yes, including more food).

Click here for Guided ferry tour of Southern Islands, mushroom cultivation among Go Green SG 2025 activities.

Click here for What it's like being an air traffic controller in Singapore.

Click here for Inside A Minimalist's Tiny Loft With A Stunning City View | Singapore.

Click here for Priscelia Chan and Alan Tern: How they keep the spark alive after 18 years of marriage.

Click here for @ChloeChuaviolinist‬ and Ng Pei-Sian in Brahms's Double Concerto (Allegro)

Click here for I Tried ALL New Michelin Hawker Stalls in Singapore.

Click here for Old Airport Road hawker, 72, and wife sell unique 'cold muffins' but skip salary due to rising costs.

Click here for Asking Singaporeans How Much Money They Make (and if they are happy with the amount!)

Click here for Asking Self-Made Millionaires in Singapore How They Made It | Street Interview.  

Thank you for reading Daily Refreshing.

Saturday, May 10, 2025

Happy Mother's Day!

A mother's love is multi-layered and encompasses her beloved offspring under all-weather conditions with unconditional love and untold and often unseen sacrifices.


May the following tribute to mothers generated with ChatGPT bring a smile to all and sundry, especially to those of you who are mothers:-

A Tribute to Mothers: The Unmatched and Indispensable

To the unflappable heroes in aprons and power suits,
Whose infinite patience is tested daily but never runs dry—
You are the unsung CEOs of our chaos,
Turning unwashed socks and incomplete science projects into small victories.

You are the masters of the unspoken language:
The raised brow, the side glance, the sigh that says,
“I told you so,” with incomparable grace.
Your love is unconditional, your strength invisible but immovable.

Even in the uncertain storms of life,
You steer the ship with an infallible inner compass.
You are invaluable, even when we forget to say so,
And unstoppable, especially when someone messes with your kids.

So today, we celebrate the unbreakable, the indestructible,
The sometimes underappreciated, but always incredible—
Our mothers.
May your coffee be strong, your worries few,
And your kids, for once, independent enough to do the dishes.

Happy Mother's Day!


If you are in Singapore, here are some refreshing fruits from Japan brought to you by Isetan department store that you might wanna buy as a gift for your priceless mother:


















Thank you for reading Daily Refreshing.